Neurotransmitters and Your Health

Neurotransmitters are essential chemical messengers used by neurons in the brain to send and receive electrochemical signals within the brain and facilitate communication with all the other organ systems in the body. These powerful neurochemicals are responsible for regulating practically all functions in life, such as cognitive and mental performance, sleep cycle, weight, pain perception and response and our emotional states. Essentially they are the communication system of the mind, body and nervous system. To get a good picture in your head of what this means, you can think of your telephone service. A complex web of interconnections that allows communication to take place. Neurotransmitters literally govern every system in the body either directly or indirectly. Medical researchers tell us that deficiencies, imbalances, disruption or malfunctioning of neurotransmitters is extremely common in our society and is at the root of many of common health conditions, because when neurotransmitters are not functioning properly then the mind and body do not communicate effectively. When communication malfunctions, then organ systems don't function as they should. This results in a variety of undesirable symptoms both physically and psychologically. Recent research suggests that approximately eight out of ten people suffer from some form of neurotransmitter imbalance.

Symptoms of Neurotransmitter Imbalances or Neurotransmitter Deficiency

There are many symptoms as a result of neurotransmitter imbalances or neurotransmitter deficiency, but these are some of the most common:

Alcoholism and drug addiction Nicotine addiction Sugar addiction Caffeine addiction Carbohydrate addiction and/or binging) Sex addiction Gambling addiction Any form of addiction Obesity Migraine headaches Depression ADHD/ADD Anxiety Impulsive behavior Muscle problems Moodiness Restlessness Panic attacks Chronic pain

Weight gain and inability to lose weight Kinetic disorders Bipolar disorder Fibromyalgia Obsessive-compulsive disorder Eating disorders Insomnia General malaise Poor concentration Hormone Dysfunction Memory Impairment Autism Tourettes Parkinsons Alzheimers Cognitive disorders Adrenal fatigue Excessive sex drive or low sex drive Mood swings Irritable Bowel Syndrome

It's also important to note the symptoms of neurotransmitter imbalances or deficiencies overlap with many other conditions like adrenal fatigue, thyroid problems and hormone imbalances, so neurotransmitter testing or screening is always recommended to rule out other possibilities.

What Causes Neurotransmitter Deficiency, Imbalance or Malfunctioning

There are eight primary causes of neurotransmitter deficiency, imbalance and malfunction: 1. Alcohol, drugs and nicotine (both prescription and illegal) Alcohol and drugs are a catch 22. Many people with neurotransmitter imbalances or deficiencies often turn to alcohol and drugs to counteract or soothe the symptoms they are having from an already existing imbalance or deficiency and although initially they provide some relief, they ultimately damage and deplete neurotransmitters even more. Anyone with neurotransmitter issues is at extremely high risk of addiction. On the other hand, the use of drugs and alcohol cause neurotransmitter depletion as they overstimulate them to the point that they stop producing them. 2. Diet Sugar and caffeine are the two most detrimental foods for neurotransmitters, but so is white flour and other refined junk food. A diet that is low in protein or high in complex carbohydrates is also a major contributor. Vegetarians are particularly vulnerable to neurotransmitter deficiencies because of the lack of meat protein that provides all the essential amino acids we need. 3. Environmental toxins Common everyday chemicals found in most peoples homes like perfume, cologne, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, housing construction, personal care products, carpeting, pesticides, herbicides, nail polish, laundry soap, fabric

softener, clothing etc., have a serious impact on neurotransmitters. 4. Excessive stress High levels of ongoing stress also cause malfunctioning and depletion of neurotransmitters. This can be the result of a high stress lifestyle that doesn't ease up or stressful circumstances you must endure like a demanding job, poverty, chronic illness etc. If you lived with child abuse or neglect as a child, chances are very great that your neurotransmitters are out of balance and/or deficient. The same applies to prisoners of war, victims of violence, victims of a natural disaster, civilians living in a war zone. 5. Genetics Some people are born with deficiencies or malfunctioning neurotransmitters because they inherit them. 6. Nutritional deficiencies Adequate levels of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are crucial for the production and regulation of neurotransmitters. As much as 80% of the population is deficient in essential nutrients. Amino acid deficiencies is the primary nutrient needed for the production of neurotransmitters as well as healthy fats. Amino acid deficiencies are extremely common because they are derived from protein and most of the population is not eating enough protein. 7. Candida overgrowth The overgrowth of Candida yeast is extremely common in our society and it too alters and disrupts the functioning of neurotransmitters. 8. Food allergies and sensitivities Undiagnosed food allergies and sensitivities can inhibit or stimulate neurotransmitter activity.

Steps to Improve Production & Functioning of Neurotransmitters

No smoking

No drinking or drugs

No sugar

No caffeine

No white flour and other junk food

Keep blood sugar stable

Eat a high protein diet - preferably meat protein

Identify food allergies and sensitivities and adjust diet accordingly

Regular exercise - but not too strenuous or excessive. Extreme exercise can actually deplete neurotransmitters, so exercise should be mild.

Spiritually fulfilling activities like prayer, meditation, yoga, daily walks, time with nature, art, music, making love, nurturing relationships, writing and public service provide health stimulation to neurotransmitters.

Reduce environmental toxins in your living space and work environment

Address Candida overgrowth

Get adequate sunlight

Reduce stress and adopt daily stress management techniques

Get adequate sleep

Identify nutritional deficiencies and address with supplementation accordingly

Amino Acid Therapy -- Once extensive neurotransmitter depletion has occurred it is sometimes difficult to replenish them through diet and lifestyle changes alone. Many practitioners prescribe amino acid supplements that may include GABA, tryptophan, tyrosine, glutamine, DPA, DLPA, l-theanine or 5-HTP, depending on what your symptoms are. GABA, l-theanine and glutamine increase your GABA, tryptphan and 5-HTP increase your serotonin levels, DPA or DLPA increase endorphins and tyrosine increases your norepinephrine and dopamine. A balanced amino acid supplement is often required as well along with their specific cofactors. Amino acids are the building blocks for neurotransmitters. The amino acids are usually taken in conjunction with a variety of other vitamins and minerals because they work together and need each other to make the brain function as it should. Its very important to be aware that natural therapies can be just as powerful as a prescription drug and should be taken seriously.Before engaging in these types of therapies, I encourage you to always do your homework, work with a provider who has extensive knowledge in amino acid therapy and have a thorough understanding of all that is involved and all possible outcomes. Each system in the body is interconnected. When you try to jump start one system and other systems are not functioning as they should, it can result in something totally unexpected and actually result in the exact opposite effect For example 5-HTP increases cortisol, which can be detrimental to someone who has adrenal issues. Glutamine suppresses cortisol and increases glutamate, which is an excitatory neurotransmitter. This can be detrimental to someone with adrenal exhaustion and someone who has excitatory neurotransmitters that are too high and experiencing anxiety. Personally, I had very bad experiences with both 5-HTP and glutamine, as well as a product called l-theanine, which increases GABA, because they crashed my adrenals and overstimulated by excitatory neurotransmitters, which resulted in an exacerbation of a variety of symptoms and provoked new symptoms I didn't even have prior to taking them. They all worked in the opposite direction for me and were counterproductive. I hear regularly from other people who have had similar experiences. This doesn't mean it will happy to you, but it does mean you should be aware and cautious. (Please read all my precautions further below.) Common prescription drugs on the market that are used for depression, anxiety, Parkinsons, hyperactivity, OCD, etc., work by altering the neurotransmitters in the brain; when you hear a disorder described as a chemical imbalance the chemicals they are referring to are neurotransmitters. However, the problem with prescription drugs is that in the long run they actually make the problem worse. They deplete the neurotransmitters even more and create even more imbalance. Amino acids give the body what its missing naturally. They heal and restore balance to the neurotransmitters. Sometimes it may be impossible to keep neurotransmitters in balance without ongoing supplementation. As we learned earlier, environmental toxins, stress, Candida, diet, etc., all have a negative effect on and deplete neurotransmitters; and some of these factors, like environmental toxins or excessive stress, may be out of our control and continually throw our neurotransmitters out of balance. If the neurotransmitter deficiency is the result of genetics, it may be necessary to continue to replenish them through amino acid supplements as well.

Hormones and Adrenals Neurotransmitters also work in conjunction with hormones and adrenal glands, so it is also helpful to evaluate these levels as well. Hormones and adrenal glands need balanced neurotransmitters to function properly and neurotransmitters are also impacted by hormone levels and adrenal functioning. Their relationship is reciprocal. In order to get one functioning properly, balance needs to be restored in each. All systems in the body work in conjunction with one another and affect each other and certain neurotransmitters also impact adrenal functioning. Hormones have a profound impact on neurotransmitters and vice versa. If these systems aren't functioning adequately, additional support may be necessary. Please see the other fact sheets on Adrenal Fatigue and Hormone Imbalance for more information on these topics.

Neurotransmitter Testing and Screening

One of the most popular methods used by practitioners to test neurotransmitter levels is a urine test that measures the actual levels of neurotransmitters in the urine. A company called NeuroScience is one of the leaders with this method. However, I learned from Julia Ross, M.A., another leading authority on neurotransmitter regeneration that this type of urine testing is not very reliable. In an article by Julia in the Townsend letter titled, Urinary Neurotransmitter Testing: Problems and Alternatives, she states cerebrospinal fluid is the most reliable method, and blood platelet is second best. She cited a study that supported this and this is what she has found to be true over the years in her clinic. She also feels that using a screening tool that she designed that asks a variety of questions is just as reliable as a lab test. The study she cited stated that "levels of neurotransmitters in urine vary rapidly in reaction to both stress, chemistry and diet-related (especially pH) changes." When urine testing was compared to cerebrospinal fluid, which is well known to be the most accurate method for measuring neurotransmitters, results did not correspond. I asked Dr. Charles Gant, another leader in the field of neurotransmitter regeneration, if he was in agreement that urine testing was not reliable and he said "yes, that type of urine testing doesn't tell you anything about what is in the brain." He also uses a written questionnaire well as a variety of lab tests. Other more reliable methods for identifying neurotransmitter depletion or disruption is an Organic Acids test and an amino acid plasma test. Either way, lab tests or screening tests should always be used as a guide and not a God, but I encourage you to use one or other. Although random supplementation with amino acids may be helpful for some people, the most effective approach is to be tested and know exactly which neurotransmitters you are deficient in and take the supplements that are needed for your specific body chemistry. Taking too much of amino acid or supplement when you don't need it can put the neurotransmitters further out of balance and create new problems. Additionally, amino acids must be accompanied by their vitamin and mineral co-factors or they are ineffective. So, for example, if you are deficient in vitamin B6, which is needed to make the conversion from tryptophan to

serotonin, then tryptophan by itself will not be effective. Knowing which neurotransmitters are out of balance is also important because they work together and sometimes one is the precursor to another. It's also really crucial to know what your goals are, because even amino acids and herbs can be counterproductive if you don't know what you're trying to address. If you're trying to decrease levels of norepinephrine and increase serotonin at the same time then some supplements are not the best choice. For example, St. John's Wort is a popular herb used to treat depression, however it is not good for someone with excessively high levels of norepinephrine, because it also increases norepinephrine. Melatonin which is often used to help people sleep will also increase norepinephrine levels and tyrosine will also increase norepinephrine, so anyone with high levels of norepinephrine would not want to take these products. So if you try to address a depression problem and aren't aware you have high levels of norepinephrine as well, then the product you take could be counterproductive and exacerbate some of your symptoms. Dosage is important as well. The amount of particular nutrients needed varies from person to person depending on biochemistry. Taking an amino acid supplement from the health food store without some guidance from a professional may not have the correct dosage or combination of nutrients needed for your body. I cannot stress enough, how important it is to work with a knowledgeable health provider anytime you take a product like Sam-e, 5-HTP, St. John's Wort or any amino acid, herbal or nutritional formula that manipulates neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are a very complex issue with many variables to take into account.

Contact Me Today for Your Individualized Neurotransmitter Screening

If you can't afford lab tests, I offer a simple written questionnaire that will give you a fairly accurate portrait of your neurotransmitter levels. However, lab tests are always preferred when possible. I offer a full array of lab tests for a more accurate and thorough snapshot of your biochemistry, all of which can be ordered online without a visit to the doctor.Get Started Today PLEASE NOTE: Manipulating neurotransmitters, whether it is by natural means or pharmaceutical drugs, is serious business. Not everyone responds to nutritional therapy in the same manner and negative effects are possible. In my opinion, amino acid therapy should only be done under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider with a high level of expertise in neurotransmitter therapy. Be sure to communicate all changes in mood, behavior and physical functioning. Always inform friends and family members anytime you begin a new treatment method, so they can watch for changes in mood or behavior that you may not be aware of because of altered perception.

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Cynthia Perkins, M.Ed. is an author, holistic health counselor and sobriety coach. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology, a master's degree in counseling and has researched the role of diet, nutrition and environmental toxins on our physical and mental health for more than two decades. Talk with Cynthia One-on-One. If you enjoyed this information and want to be notified the next time Cynthia writes something, subscribe to her RSS

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Reference Urinary Neurotransmitter Testing: Problems and Alternatives, by Julia Ross, MA, MFT for the Townsend Letter (10/06) www.dietcure.com/urinetesting.pdf

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Some information on this web site has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information on this web site or in emails is designed for educational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice. I am not a medical doctor and this information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. With all medical conditions consult a qualified medical professional. Web site and all contents Copyright Cynthia Perkins 2007, All rights reserved. Privacy Policy